Shelbyville’s craft distillery, Jeptha Creed, has been named the official vodka of the 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival.

A month-long celebration leading up to Derby day, the Derby Festival offers events across the region for people of all ages. The locally distilled vodka will be available for purchase at Thunder Over Louisville on April 21 and Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville at the Chow Wagon April 27 through May 4.

What started off Sunday morning as a violent incident with a home break-in, a struggle with a handgun and the residents fleeing in terror with the intruder in chase, ended as a standoff when the intruder barricaded himself in the victim’s home.

Shelbyville Police Chief Istvan Kovacs expressed relief that his officers were able to resolve the situation peacefully and that no one was harmed.

A government shutdown came to an end Monday night with the signing of a bill by President Donald Trump to end the three-day shutdown of federal offices.

The 266-159 vote passed the House and the Senate, following a deal between Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schuner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, which reinstates funding for three weeks, according to CNN Politics.

Health departments around the state are reporting several deaths from influenza, including two children, as flu season gets into full swing.

“We have widespread activity in Kentucky,” said Beth Fish, spokesperson for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “At present, forty-nine states are reporting widespread influence. This season’s strain of flu can be extremely dangerous, or even deadly.”

Fisher added that 59 deaths have been reported in Kentucky, including the two pediatric deaths.

Snow was a hot topic at the Shelbyville City Council meeting Thursday evening.

“Snow, snow, snow. We’re all tired of it,” City Engineer/Public Works Director Jennifer Herrell said, adding she wanted to voice her appreciation for the city employees who put in long hours to tackle the inclement weather issues. “They worked quite a few hours on that.”

Mayor Tom Hardesty agreed and voiced his gratitude to all the departments, including the water company.